Question

Which one of the following is not correct as regards the harmful effects of particulate matter of the size 2.5 micro meters or less ?

• A. It can cause respiratory problems
• B. It can directly enter into our circulatory system
• C. It can cause inflammation and damage to the lungs
• D. It can be inhaled into the lungs

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

It can directly enter into our circulatory system

Answer 2

Particulate matter consists of soot, fly ash, dust, spores, pollen grains etc. Particulate matter is differentiated into settleable (larger than 10 pm and remaining in air for less than one day) and suspended (less than 10 pm and remaining in air for more than one day to several weeks). Particles of 2.5 pm and lesser diameter (PM 2.5) are the most harmful to human health (as per Central Pollution Control Board or CPCB). They pass deep into the lungs causing breathing and respiratory problems, irritation, inflammation and damage to lungs resulting in pre-mature death. It cannot directly enter circulatory system but indirectly through respiratory system.